JanFeb2020

4 | www.westendermagazine.com
Editor’s
Letter
Here’s to a great 2020! It is going to be a
year of seismic change, so why not
look for the opportunities change
always presents?
It’s a new year and a fresh start finds
writer Mike Findlay chatting to three local
business owners whose business it is to help
other local businesses. If you’re considering
starting a new business, or effecting a major
change in your existing enterprise then let
Mike’s article inspire you on Page 18.
The latest fashion shoot took place in
Finnieston on a grim and dreich Glasgow
day. Top marks for authenticity, zero for
staying warm and dry. Huge thanks must
go to Lisa and her team at the Argyle
Gents Club and Akram and his lovely staff
at the Tajura Cafe for accommodating us,
warming us with coffees and chat, and in
Akram’s case feeding us too. You guys
saved us! Throughout it all our model,
Jamie McClenaghan from Colours Agency,
was an absolute trooper. Not easy to look
good in a howling gale whilst getting lashed
by horizontal rain. Luckily he’s a local so took
it all in his stride. We’re mad about Jamie, see
what you think for yourselves on Pages 10-15.
If the fashion story inspires you to never
go outside again, take inspiration for a great
read from Brian Toal on Page 36 and coorie
in. Billy Connelly’s Tall Tales and Wee Stories
is on my reading list for 2020.
Lenny Smith interviews Scottish author,
Kerry Hudson, on Page 32. Lowborn:
Growing Up, Getting Away and Returning
to Britain’s Poorest Towns, like Darren
McGarvey’s Poverty Safari, is a timely
reminder of the choices we make as a
society and as individuals on possible future
outcomes for generations yet to be born.
An uncomfortable read, maybe. Necessary?
In 2020 I’d say absolutely.
If you’re brave enough to venture
outside then Greg Kane, Page 28, and
Tracy Mukherjee, Page 30, have a wealth
of suggestions to make. The weather may
be miserable but the West End, as ever,
is glorious. Roll on spring!
Suzanne Martin